Multi-purpose lift device

ABSTRACT

A multi-purpose lift device for use with vehicles and the like to elevate portions thereof, the device consisting of three concentric spaced apart telescoping pipe sections identified as an outer pipe section, an intermediate pipe section, and an inner pipe section, the outer pipe section being supported in a vertical position on a base, a cable supporting winch affixed to the outer pipe section adjacent the top end thereof, a pair of aligned tandemly disposed pulleys diametrically affixed to opposite points at the bottom end of the intermediate pipe section, a pulley affixed to the top end of the intermediate pipe section and in vertical alignment with one of the bottom pulleys, a pulley affixed to the top end of the outer pipe section adjacent the winch, the cable being reeved over the outer pipe section pulley and thence about the intermediate pipe section bottom pulleys and thence about the intermediate pipe section top pulley and thence secured to the bottom end of the inner pipe section such that operation of the winch effects the simultaneous lifting of the intermediate and inner pipe sections relative to the outer pipe section in a manner telescoping outwardly therefrom.

United States Patent H9! Fields 1 MULTl-PURPOSE LIFT DEVICE Meredith Fields, 515 E. 7th St Newport Ky. 4lO7l 122 Filed: July 1,1974

21 Appl. No.: 484,715

[76] Inventor:

Primary Examiner-Othell M. Simpson [57] ABSTRACT A multi-purpose lift device for use with vehicles and "f 1 June 24, 1975 the like to elevate portions thereof, the device consisting of three concentric spaced apart telescoping pipe sections identified as an outer pipe section, an intermediate pipe section, and an inner pipe section. the outer pipe section being supported in a vertical position on a base. a cable supporting winch afiixed to the outer pipe section adjacent the top end thereof, a pair of aligned tandemly disposed pulleys diametrically affixed to opposite points at the bottom end of the intermediate pipe section. a pulley affixed to the top end of the intermediate pipe section and in vertical alignment with one of the bottom pulleys, a pulley affixed to the top end of the outer pipe section adjacent the winch the cable being reeved over the outer pipe section pulley and thence about the intermediate pipe section bottom pulleys and thence about the intermediate pipe section top pulley and thence secured to the bottom end of the inner pipe section such that operation of the winch effects the simultaneous lifting of the intermediate and inner pipe sections relative to the outer pipe section in a manner telescoping outwardly therefrom.

7 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures I Ml'L'I'I-PI'RPUSE LIFT DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to hoists and lifts and more particularly to a novel and improved multi purpose lift device which performs the same functions as hydraulic and mechanical jacks but at a much lower cost.

2. Description of the Prior Art The repair and service industry for vehicles such as trucks. automobiles and the like is a typical example of an industry in which various types of jacks. hoists. and lifting devices are employed for the purpose of lifting bulky and heavy objects. such as motors. transmissions, front and rear ends of vehicles. and the like. While this type of equipment has proven useful and convenient for the intended purpose, such equipment suffers from the principal disadvantage of being exorbitantly priced such that individuals cannot readily purchase the equipment with such equipment thus being restricted to more expensive commercial ventures and not getterally available to the normal consumer or to the small businessman at reasonable costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention recognizes the need for an inexpensive multi-purpose lifting device equally applicable about commercial establishments and the home and which could be manufactured and produced at a low expense to permit a low retail cost for the device. the invention providing a solution thereto in the form of a multi-purpose jack device utilizing three telescoping tubes with the telescoping action being controlled by a cable reeved about the tubes in a manner to provide simultaneous movement of the intermediate and inner tube relative to the outer tube to thus perform the same function as hydraulic and mechanical jacks with a much lower production cost and thus a much lower retail price.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved and inexpensive multi-purpose lifting device.

A further feature of the present invention provides a multi-purpose lifting device which is relatively simple in its construction and which therefore may be readily manufactured at a relatively low cost and by simple manufacturing methods thus permitting the device to be retailed at a sufficiently low price to encourage its widespread purchase and usage.

Still a further feature of the present invention provides a multi-purpose lifting device which is ofa rugged and durable construction and which therefore may be guaranteed by the manufacturer to withstand rough usage.

Yet still a further feature of the present invention provides a multi-purpose lifting device which is easy to use and reliable and efficient in operation for a multitude of purposes such as lifting front or rear ends of vehicles. transmissions. motors. and other heavy or bulky articles.

Other features and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this (ill specification. and in which like reference characters are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

FIG. I is a side elevational view of the multi-purpose lifting device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged crosssectional view taken along Line 22 of FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the lifting device having portions thereof broken away to illustrate the interior details thereof;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating the reeving of the cable about the pulleys relative to the tubing sections; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the intermediate tubing section illustrating the spacer elements associated therewith; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along Line 6-6 of FIG. I.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings in detail there is illustrated a preferred form ofa multi-purpose lifting device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated generally in its cntirety by the reference numeral [0 and which is comprised of a base II. an outer tubing or pipe section I2. an intermediate tubing or pipe section 13. an inner tubing or pipe section 14. a winch I5 affixed to the exterior of the outer tube I2. a cable 16 passing from the winch and reeved over a plurality of pulleys associated with the tubing section, and a lifting plate [7 affixed to the top end of the inner tube I4.

The base 11 has a horizontal top surface 2I and is supported about its periphery on its underneath surface 22 by a plurality ofcastcrs 23 for ease of rolling thc device l0 between desired locations. The outer tube I2 is vertically rested at its bottom end 25 centrally of base top surface 21 and is welded or otherwise affixed to the base top surface. There are provided four triangular brackets 26 extending between the base top surface and the exterior side walls of outer tube 12 which are welded in position for reinforcement of the outer tube relative to the base.

The outer tube I2 is of a hollow cylindrical configuration which may be formed out of a pipe section and has the bottom end 25 and a top end 27 interconnected by cylindrical side walls 28 and forming a passageway 29 extending axially therethrough.

The intermediate tube I3 is of a longitudinally elongated cylindrical configuration which may be formed of a pipe section and is telescopically received through the top end 27 of outer tube I2 for reciprocal movement relative thereto inwardly and outwardly of the outer tube. the intermediate tube including a top end 3L, a bottom end 32. cylindrical side walls 33, and an interior passageway 34. Bottom end 32 is provided with a diametric slot 35 extending through side walls 33 par tially inwardly of the side walls with each of the slots having rotatably mounted therein pulleys 36 and 37 which are in tandem alignment with each other and with a portion ofeach pulley projecting outwardly of its associated side wall.

Disposed intermediate pulleys 36 and 37 in passageway 34 is a pulley 38 which is rotatably mounted in tandcm alignment between the pulleys 36 and 37 and spaced further inwardly from bottom end 32 than such pulleys so as to be disposed at the vertex of an inverted V-shape defined by the three pulleys. A slot 39 is provided in side wall 33 adjacent top ends 3] thereof and in longitudinal alignment with the slot 35 in which pulley 37 is mounted. with there being a pulley 40 rotatably mounted in the slot 39 in longitudinal alignment with pulley 37 and defining a vertical plane therewith. the pulley projecting above the top end 3t and outwardly of the side wall 33 as well as inwardly of passageway 34.

The inner tube section 14 is of a longitudinally elongated cylindrical configuration which may be formed from a conventional pipe section and which consists of a top end 4]. a bottom end 42, side walls 43. and an interior passageway 44 extending longitudinally therethrough. The inner tube 14 is telescopically received in passageway 34 of intermediate tubes 13 through the top end 31 thereof and is mounted for reciprocal telescopic movement inwardly and outwardly of the intermediate tubes.

The lifting plate 17 is mounted centrally to the top end 4] of inner tube 14 and projects radially outwardly therefrom to define a plane normal to the axis of the inner tube and may terminate at end portion which may be bent at an angle upwardly relative to the main body portion of the lifting plate A pulley 5! is mounted by bracket 52 to the top end 27 of outer tube 12 and is disposed in position over the winch 15.

The winch 15 consists of a pair of spaced apart brackets 52' affixed at their base ends 53 to the exterior of outer tube side walls 28 with the apex portions 54 of the brackets supporting rotatably therebetween the spindle 55 of a drum 56 having cable 16 wrapped thercabout. A lever arm 57 projects outwardly from one end of spindle 55 and is bent at a 90 angle relative thereto and terminates in a handle 58 adapted to be grasped in an individuals hand for use in effecting the rotation of the spindle S5 and drum 56 affixed thereto.

To prevent the telescoping tube sections l2. l3 and 14 from rubbing against each other during their telescopic reciprocal movement relative to each other. there are provided four circumferally spaced apart spacer blocks 6] welded at ninety degree spaced apart locations on the inside of outer tube 12 adjacent the top end 27 thereof. The intermediate tube 13 is provided with four spacer blocks 62 disposed circumferally spaced apart at 90 intervals along the interior thereof adjacent the top end 31 thereof. each block projecting radially inwardly therefrom. Provided at cir cumferally spaced apart positions along the interior of the intermediate tube 13 adjacent the bottom end 33 thereof are spacer blocks 63 each of which project radially outwardly therefrom with each being spaced apart about 90 from each other. The inner tube [4 is provided with four spacer blocks 64 disposed on the esterior surface thereof at circumferally spaced apart positions thercalong near the bottom end 42 thereof with each projecting radially outwardly therefrom. The spacer blocks 61 64 are each preferably welded to their respective surfaces of the tube sections l2. l3 and H.

For limiting the telescopic outward movement of intcrmediatc tube [3 relati\e to outer tube l2 there is provided a stop block 65 welded to the exterior bottom end portion of the intermediate tube at a position above the spacer blocks 63 and which is in vertical alignment with a stop block 66 affixed to the interior ofoutcr tube 12 near the top end thereof such that the stop blocks will engage to limit the maximum extension of intermediate tube [3 out of outer tube 12.

The spacer blocks 61 64 thus act as guides and spacer elements during the reciprocal movement ofthe tubes [2 [4 relative to each other to prevent scrubbing of the tubes against each other.

The intermediate tube [3 is assembled in outer tube 12 with pulley 36 in vertical longitudinal alignment with pulley S1. and the inner tube 14 is assembled in the intermediate tube 13 with its hole 67in side wall 43 in vertical alignment with pulley 40.

The cable 16 is reeved from winch drum 56 upwardly about pulley 4| from whence it extends downwardly through the passageway defined between the intermediate tube l3 and outer tube 12, from whence it is reeved about pulleys 36, 38 and 37. from whence it extends vertically upwardly through passage 29 to be reeved about pulley 40. from whence it extends vertically downwardly through passage 34 intermediate inner tube 14 and intermediate tube 13 to pass through hole 67 where it is secured in place in any suitable manner, such as by nuts 68 being welded thereto.

In operation. rotation of the winch 15 to wind cable 16 about drum 56 will effect the elevation of inner tube 14 and intermediate tube 13 relative to outer tube l2 in a lifting type movement. such as designated by reference numeral 70 in FIG. I. with it being understood that this action of the cable due to the reeving thereof effects the simultaneous lifting of the intermediate and inner tubes providing a distinct mechanical advantage for easily lifting heavyweights Further. it is to be noted that the inner tube 14 will simultaneously telescope out of intermediate tube l3 upon the raising operation of the winch such that while both tubes 13 and 14 are simultaneously being elevated out of outer tube [2 the inner tube 14 is also being telescopically elevated out ofintermediate tube l3. Similarly, reversing rotation of winch 15 will effect the simultaneous telescopic retraction of the inner and intermediate tubes l4 and 13 into the outer tube [2.

in the preferred embodiment the tubes [2. l3 and 14 are manufactured of rigid pipe section each having a length of about 30 inches with the outer tube having a diameter of about 3 inches. the intermediate tube having a diameter of about 2 inches. and the inner tube having a diameter of about l inch. The cable 16 measures approximately 106 inches long and is preferably V4 inch in diameter. Further. it is to be understood that rather than base I] there may be provided a plurality of spaced apart legs projecting outwardly from the bot tom end portion ofoutcr tube 12 to form a base which is readily released and folded for compact storage of the device If).

lt is to be understood that the form of this invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same. and that this imention is not to be limited to the exact arrangement of parts shown in the accompanying drawings or described in this specification as various changes in the details of construction as to shape. size. and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention. the scope of the novel concepts thereof. or the scope of the sub-joined claims.

Having thus described the imention. what is claimed l. A multi-purpose lifting device for easy and convenient lifting of heavy. bulky objects. said device coinprising. in combination:

a base.

an outer hollow open ended tube having a top end and bottom end. said tube vertically mounted on the base with the bottom end thereof afixed to said base. a passage way extending axially through said tube. said outer tube being generally cylindrical in cross section and having a first pulley aiixed to the top end thereof;

a middle hollow open ended tube having a top end and a bottom end. said middle tube being telescopically received through said top end of said outer tube in said outer tube passage way. the middle tube having a passage way extending axially therethrough. said middle tube being of a generally cylindrical configuration. said middle tube having a second pulley afixed to the bottom end portion thereof in vertical alignment with said first pulley;

an inner hollow open ended tube having a top end and a bottom end. said inner tube telescopically received in said middle tube passage way through said top end thereof. a third pulley in alignment with said second pulley and spaced vertically thereabove and rotatably mounted in said middle tube passage way. a fourth pulley in horizontal alighment with said second pulley and a fifth pulley rotatably mounted on the top end of said middle tube in vertical alignment with said fouth pulley. an aperture adjacent said bottom end of said inner tube and disposed substantially vertically beneath said fifth pulley;

spacer means maintaining said middle tube in spaced relation with respect to said inner and outer tubes and maintaining said inner tube in spaced relation with respect to said middle tube;

winch means mounted to the exterior of said outer tube and rotatably supporting a drum thereon; and

a cable having one end thereof afixed to said drum.

said cable being wrapped thereabout with the opposite end thereof being reeved over the top end of said outer tube and about the bottom end of said middle tube and over the top end of said middle tube and afixed to the bottom end of said inner tube such that rotation of said drum in a first direction will effect the simultaneous telescopic outwardly movement of said middle and inner tubes relative to said outer tube while also effecting the simultaneous telescopic movement of said inner tube out of said middle tube. and rotation of said drum in the opposite direction will effect the tele scopic retraction of said inner and middle tubes into said outer tube.

2. The device as set forth in claim I wherein said spacer elements comprise a plurality of bosses estcnd ing radially in said outer tube passageway between said outer tube and said middle tube. and a plurality of bosses extending radially into said middle tube passageway between said middle tube and said inner tube for retaining the tubes concentric about a central axis and prcwnting the tubes from scrubbing contact with each other.

3. The devices as set forth in claim 2 further characteri/ed by said spacer elements comprising:

a first set of four block shaped members disposed cir cumferally about the interior top end portion of the outer tube. the blocks being spaced about ninety degrees apart from each other. and each block projecting radially into the outer tube passageway;

a second set of block shaped members disposed circumferally about the inside of the middle tube adjacent the top end portion thereof. the block members spaced apart from each other by about 90. the block members projecting radially into the inner tube passageway".

a third set of four block shaped members disposed circumferally about the exterior of the middle tube adjacent the bottom end thereof. the members spaced about ninety degrees apart from each other. the members each projecting radially outwardly from the inner tube; and

a fourth set of four block shaped members disposed circumferally spaced apart along the exterior of the inner tube adjacent the bottom end portion thereof. the block members being spaced apart about 90 from each other. each of the block members projecting radially outwardly from the inner tube.

4. The device as set forth in claim 3 further characterized by a stop member in the form of a block affixed to the exterior surface of the middle tube at a position spaced above the third set of spacer elements; and an associated stop member in the form of a block affixed to the interior surface of the outer tube projecting radially inwardly therefrom and disposed in vertical alignment with the middle tube stop block when the middle tube is placed inwardly of the outer tube. the stop blocks cooperating to limit the maximum extension of the middle tube from the outer tube.

5. The device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said winch comprises a pair of spaced apart brackets each having one end permanently affixed to a top end portion of said outer tube with said opposite ends thereof projecting outwardly therefrom. a spindle extending through said free ends of said brackets and journaled for rotation therein. said drum being mounted to said spindle for rotation therewith. a lever arm projecting outwardly from one end of said spindle at an angle of about 90 relative thereto. and a handle affixed to the projecting free end of said lever arm adapted to be grasped in the hand of an individual to effect rotation of said drum in opposite directions for the winding and unwinding of said cable therefrom to effect the raising and lowering of said lift device.

6. The device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said base includes a flat horizontal surface. a plurality of caster wheels spaced about said horizontal surface and extending downwardly therefrom for rolling engagement with a supporting surface for ease in moving said device between locations of usage. and a plurality of triangular bracket members extending between said base and said bottom end portion of said outer tube for supporting said tube in a vertical position on said base.

7. The device as set forth in claim 6 wherein said inner tube. said middle tube. and said outer tube each have a length of about 30 inches. said inner tube has a diameter of about I inch. said middle tube has a diame ter of about 2 inches. said outer tube has a diameter of about 3 inches. said cable has a diameter of about V4 inch with a length of about lilo inches. 

1. A multi-purpose lifting device for easy and convenient lifting of heavy, bulky objects, said device comprising, in combination: a base; an outer hollow open ended tube having a top end and bottom end, said tube vertically mounted on the base with the bottom end thereof afixed to said base, a passage way extending axially through said tube, said outer tube being generally cylindrical in cross section and having a first pulley afixed to the top end thereof; a middle hollow open ended tube having a top end and a bottom end, said middle tube being telescopically received through said top end of said outer tube in said outer tube passage way, the middle tube having a passage way extending axially therethrough, said middle tube being of a generally cylindrical configuration, said middle tube having a second pulley afixed to the bottom end portion thereof in vertical alignment with said first pulley; an inner hollow open ended tube having a top end and a bottom end, said inner tube telescopically received in said middle tube passage way through said top end thereof, a third pulley in alignment with said second pulley and spaced vertically thereabove and rotatably mountEd in said middle tube passage way, a fourth pulley in horizontal alighment with said second pulley and a fifth pulley rotatably mounted on the top end of said middle tube in vertical alignment with said fouth pulley, an aperture adjacent said bottom end of said inner tube and disposed substantially vertically beneath said fifth pulley; spacer means maintaining said middle tube in spaced relation with respect to said inner and outer tubes and maintaining said inner tube in spaced relation with respect to said middle tube; winch means mounted to the exterior of said outer tube and rotatably supporting a drum thereon; and a cable having one end thereof afixed to said drum, said cable being wrapped thereabout with the opposite end thereof being reeved over the top end of said outer tube and about the bottom end of said middle tube and over the top end of said middle tube and afixed to the bottom end of said inner tube such that rotation of said drum in a first direction will effect the simultaneous telescopic outwardly movement of said middle and inner tubes relative to said outer tube while also effecting the simultaneous telescopic movement of said inner tube out of said middle tube, and rotation of said drum in the opposite direction will effect the telescopic retraction of said inner and middle tubes into said outer tube.
 2. The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spacer elements comprise a plurality of bosses extending radially in said outer tube passageway between said outer tube and said middle tube, and a plurality of bosses extending radially into said middle tube passageway between said middle tube and said inner tube for retaining the tubes concentric about a central axis and preventing the tubes from scrubbing contact with each other.
 3. The devices as set forth in claim 2 further characterized by said spacer elements comprising: a first set of four block shaped members disposed circumferally about the interior top end portion of the outer tube, the blocks being spaced about ninety degrees apart from each other, and each block projecting radially into the outer tube passageway; a second set of block shaped members disposed circumferally about the inside of the middle tube adjacent the top end portion thereof, the block members spaced apart from each other by about 90*, the block members projecting radially into the inner tube passageway; a third set of four block shaped members disposed circumferally about the exterior of the middle tube adjacent the bottom end thereof, the members spaced about ninety degrees apart from each other, the members each projecting radially outwardly from the inner tube; and a fourth set of four block shaped members disposed circumferally spaced apart along the exterior of the inner tube adjacent the bottom end portion thereof, the block members being spaced apart about 90* from each other, each of the block members projecting radially outwardly from the inner tube.
 4. The device as set forth in claim 3 further characterized by a stop member in the form of a block affixed to the exterior surface of the middle tube at a position spaced above the third set of spacer elements; and an associated stop member in the form of a block affixed to the interior surface of the outer tube projecting radially inwardly therefrom and disposed in vertical alignment with the middle tube stop block when the middle tube is placed inwardly of the outer tube, the stop blocks cooperating to limit the maximum extension of the middle tube from the outer tube.
 5. The device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said winch comprises a pair of spaced apart brackets each having one end permanently affixed to a top end portion of said outer tube with said opposite ends thereof projecting outwardly therefrom, a spindle extending through said free ends of said brackets and journaled for rotation therein, said drum being mounted to said spindle for rotation therewith, a lever arm projecting outwardly froM one end of said spindle at an angle of about 90* relative thereto, and a handle affixed to the projecting free end of said lever arm adapted to be grasped in the hand of an individual to effect rotation of said drum in opposite directions for the winding and unwinding of said cable therefrom to effect the raising and lowering of said lift device.
 6. The device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said base includes a flat horizontal surface, a plurality of caster wheels spaced about said horizontal surface and extending downwardly therefrom for rolling engagement with a supporting surface for ease in moving said device between locations of usage; and a plurality of triangular bracket members extending between said base and said bottom end portion of said outer tube for supporting said tube in a vertical position on said base.
 7. The device as set forth in claim 6 wherein said inner tube, said middle tube, and said outer tube each have a length of about 30 inches, said inner tube has a diameter of about 1 inch, said middle tube has a diameter of about 2 inches, said outer tube has a diameter of about 3 inches, said cable has a diameter of about 1/4 inch with a length of about 106 inches. 